Every November 11th, many families and organizations around the United States take a moment to honor Veterans for Veterans Day. This annual day of remembrance has origins that date back to World War I. All around the country, government offices and services pause, while ceremonies and parades are held in observance, to honor the service and sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. military, naval, or air service.
Here at Rover we want to acknowledge those who foster the unique connection between pets and Veterans. From Veteran-owned to Veteran-supportive, we identified five organizations and businesses. These places offer opportunities for Veterans who have a calling to help nurture relationships between people and pets as well as insights to starting a pet-focused business.
Pets For Vets
This non-profit organization brings Veterans and pets who want to start a new chapter of their lives together. Transitioning from a military life to a civilian one can be difficult, but Pets for Vets bridges that gap by matching Veterans with the right pet. In fact, Pets for Vets calls this connection a “Super Bond®”, allowing both individuals to find support and build their lives together.
Veterans can apply for an A.C.E trained animal, meaning the animal is trained and evaluated to be the right match for a Veteran’s emotional needs. Pets for Vets is not limited to dogs either. This organization has placed cats and rabbits in loving homes.
Visit: https://petsforvets.com/
Bubbly Paws
It’s wonderful to see how franchises can be a supportive initiative for Veterans to integrate into the community. Bubbly Paws, in particular, caught our eye in the news when Phaedra Rosario, a Lieutenant Colonel retiree, opened her own franchise grooming salon in Long Island. After 25 years of service, a Bubbly Paws franchise was Rosario’s opportunity to return to her pet-loving roots and history.
Bubbly Paws supports Rosario’s efforts to showcase a more stress-free way to groom your dog and connect with pet parents. Pet Product News reported on Bubbly Paw and Rosario’s efforts to facilitate pet-adoptions and community-initiatives.
Visit: https://www.bubblypaws.com/carleplace
VēRUS Pet Food
For pet parents who want to support a pet food business that checks multiple boxes, VēRUS is one to consider. Founded and formulated by Russell Armstrong, this Veteran, family-owned and operated business has been running since 1993, all while meeting AAFCO standards. This means their pet food meets your dog and cat’s nutritional needs without compromising on ingredient quality.
Ingredients are sourced from USDA-approved suppliers while food is manufactured in European-Union certified facilities. This means their protein is also certified for human consumption (pre-kibble transformation, of course). VēRUS also has a thorough FAQ page for new customers, outlining their approach to formulation, production, and quality assessment. Pet parents may also be happy to know that VēRUS has never had a recall.
Visit: https://www.veruspetfoods.com/
Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet
Pets can be an emotional tentpole in Veterans’ lives, and Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet (GAFSP) recognizes that through their Foster Home Program and Military Pet Assistance Fund. For honorably discharged Veterans, GAFSP offers aid in the form of pet fostering and covering of emergency veterinary expenses. These programs are available in all 50 states.
Visit: https://gafsp.org/programs/foster-home-program/
Mission K9 Rescue
Some also use Veterans Day to celebrate the dogs who work alongside our Veterans in their capacity as military and contract working dogs. Mission K9 Rescue is a worldwide non-profit organization that seeks to rescue retiring and retired dogs to the right homes. In many cases, these dogs get to reunite with their handler with whom they have bonded with.
Many working dogs, especially ones overseas, also retire with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and medical issues. Mission K9 helps rehabilitate these heroic pups, allowing them to decompress and receive the medical care they need before they go to their new forever home.
Visit: https://missionk9rescue.org/